101219-0830-Loran Livingston - A Journey Through Christmas:The Star

2010-12-19-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning December 19th, 2010 in the 8:30 service.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-7; II Peter 1:19

Topic: Focus

Notes:

- Book: “Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth Bailey- Who was Herod? A vile man, mixed up (Arab, Jew, Greek, Roman) but hated everyone not Roman- Who were the wise men? Wealthy from Arabia. Arab believers. Hundreds or more traveled together. East means “the rising”- Shepherds were poor Jews who came from fields to worship Jesus.- God had a plan... wise men watching for the signs... headed for Bethlehem when everything lined up... arrived first in Jerusalem- Herod gathered chief priests & scribes... sent wise men to find Jesus.- Sometimes we lose sight of the star... end up in the wrong place- People get more interested in church organization/politics than a relationship with Jesus